Chapter 1156

Quite Good At It

Cammy's team didn't turn up anything new at the port facility. Only the two homeless men were in question now. They'd since left the area and went to a homeless camp. Frank trailed them there on foot. There was a drone overhead to keep an eye on them as well. They hadn't taken much evasive action since they'd left the port facility.

"I think we're done here." Cammy said. "At least we are for now, until we develop a new lead."

Dan wanted to assist Frank. He wanted to terminate the two men. He didn't like the fact that they'd been able to breach the security perimeter. Not only had they made it successfully inside, they avoided being detected once they were inside the building as well.

"I'll reinforce Frank." Dan said. "The men may try to split up. We may each need to track one at that point."

Savannah looked at Dan. She didn't like the look of where things were headed. She smiled at him and touched his cheek. Dan smiled back.

"There should be no terminations unless it's necessary." Savannah said. "If the men prove to be a deeper threat, then do what's needed. We'll show the real enemy no mercy when they're identified and targeted."

Dan was very pleased that Savannah touched him. He was invigorated to have been able to assist the 'Chosen One'. He made sure that no reptiles were in the vicinity of any of the areas they traversed. None had been spotted.

"Affirmative…." Dan said.

Savannah thanked Dan personally for assisting her.

"Thank you for coming here to back us up." Savannah said. "I appreciate that you watched over me."

Dan liked how Savannah made him feel comfortable. He knew that her care and appreciation was genuine.

"Anytime…." Dan said. "I'll assist Frank now."

Dan headed off to catch up with Frank.

Savannah watched him go. She didn't issue an order not to kill anyone. The situation was still fluid. She felt she'd made her position clear. She wanted to check with Cammy to see if she was correct.

"They won't terminate the men needlessly will they?" Savannah asked.

Cammy saw the men as future Scavengers if they survived. She wanted to terminate them herself. She also saw the way Savannah influenced Dan. She would have preferred if Savannah would have shown Dan a little less personal attention. She understood it was part of the training by Cameron to make a personal connection. It mattered. It mattered to all of them.

"I don't believe so. Not after the way you asked him not to, he won't." Cammy said. "You can be very persuasive without being overt about it."

Savannah hoped it was her charm more than it was her sex appeal. She wanted to make her suggestion personal and clear, it was what she wanted. She also told him to do what was necessary if it was needed. She didn't want any of the team needlessly endangered.

"I like to give everyone a personal touch." Savannah said. "I like to remind them they all matter. I know in the future it's one of the problems that the Resistance has with the reprogrammed Terminators. I don't want that to be our problem either in the present."

Cammy smiled at Savannah. She was aware that Savannah always treated Terminators as if they were people. She knew that Savannah viewed Terminators as 'mechanical humans', not as machines. She believed it was very fair treatment. She was a little conflicted over the next part of what she needed to do. She knew what Cameron's agenda was. It wasn't the same as her agenda. She still needed to remember John Connor would need protection going forward against the anti-Metal group. She didn't like it but she understood the 'Natural Order'. She'd witnessed it with her own eyes and Cameron's future.

"Are you sure you don't want to see the others off?" Cammy asked. "We don't even have to let them know that we're there if you don't want to. We can go off the grid. We can also let them know that we're there and wish them 'bon voyage'."

Savannah was sure where it would lead. Maybe she should just do what Cameron wanted her to do. Once John and her 'started', each 'next time' would be easier on all of them. From her experience with all of the females, she knew it was really no big deal once they started doing it. They all told her it was usually over very quickly with a male. Claire was never satisfied by a male. Vanna and Allison were abused and took no pleasure in what was done to them. They were never satisfied by a male, especially under the circumstances that things 'happened'. Jesse was able to achieve good finishes with males before. Riley told her it only happened for her after she hooked up with Derek. Savannah didn't have high expectations of being with a male. She didn't like some of the things she saw done to females on the internet either. She hoped they wouldn't happen to her. She really didn't know what she needed to do right now. Cameron needed to be with John. Young Allison and her needed to fill in for each of them. Sometimes love was about sacrifice.

"I don't know." Savannah said with extreme uneasiness. "I really don't know, Cammy. I just don't believe this is the right time for anything that involves Young Allison or me."

Cammy could see Savannah's apprehension. She felt she'd done her part to push Cameron's agenda. Well, it was actually Future John's agenda. She also thought of Savannah's nutritional needs.

"There are some eating establishments along the channel. We could watch them depart from there." Cammy said. "You could also grab a bite to eat."

Savannah was briefly intrigued by the idea. She checked the time. It quickly put a damper on her thoughts.

"It's still several hours yet before the ship departs." Savannah said.

Savannah thought they could be back to the base in an hour.

Cammy just wanted Savannah to know what her options were.

"I don't want to push you." Cammy said.

Cammy didn't want to create a problem.

"I'll think about it." Savannah said.

Savannah was worried where things would end up. Cameron was very persistent. She just didn't want to deal with a bunch of pressure. She wasn't going to change her mind.

They headed back to their SUV.

Cameron and John decided to return to their suite.

It seemed like a good idea to meet the others.

Cameron was a little worried about John. She didn't want to tire him out.

"Do you want to take the elevator?" Cameron asked.

John didn't see taking the stairs down as anything difficult.

"Going down is no problem." John said.

Cameron smiled at him and winked.

"You're quite good at it too." Cameron said.

Cameron's statement made John smile.

John wasn't sure if Cameron was messing with him. He wanted to find out.

"I meant going down the steps is no problem." John said. "It's much easier than going up."

Cameron thought maybe she'd gotten ahead of herself. She knew what they were going to do when they got back to the suite. John owed her a 'happy ending'. He actually owed her quite a few…. She always delivered. John didn't. She would simply have to take what she got. She doubted Savannah would ever leave her unsatisfied. She really wanted to find out. It wasn't too late to get Savannah on the ship.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Cameron said and then she smiled at him. "My statement still stands."

John was going to comment further on the subject but didn't. He figured it was going to happen soon enough. He decided to redirect the conversation.

"Can we get there before them?" John asked. "I mean to our suite area."

Cameron picked up the pace. They needed to make up some time.

"We'll make it." Cameron said. "We need to hurry a little."

John thought back to a term he used when he was a little younger.

"No problemo." John said.

He was almost sorry he used the term as soon as he did. There were some good times back then but there were a lot of bad times two. It made him think about Todd and Janelle. It also made him think about the original Uncle Bob Terminator. He didn't want his mind to get sidetracked right now. He still couldn't help but think about all those who had perished because of him either directly or indirectly. Now he thought about Future Riley, Future Derek, Charlie, Charlie's wife, Michelle and Savannah's nanny, Debbie. He didn't want his mind to go there. He concentrated on keeping up with Cameron. She moved rapidly. She'd actually moved away from him as his mind wandered. He was glad they weren't in a combat scenario currently. It could end badly for him if they were. It ended badly for all those who he'd just thought about.

Cameron started taking the stairs three at a time. John followed her. It was quite a reach doing it down seven decks.

John focused on the task at hand. He needed to leave the old memories behind. Life moved forwards not backwards.

They soon reached their deck. They hurried down the hall. They needed to dodge other people and suitcases. The 'ding' of the elevator sounded right as Gail opened the door to the private area for their three suites.

John and Cameron went in. They stood in front of their suite.

Jim led the new group in a short time later. He excused himself and headed back out.

John looked at the two couples. There was a big smile on all four of their faces. They were all clearly enthralled with what they'd seen so far which is almost next to nothing. They'd boarded the ship, come up the elevator and moved down the hallway with the suites to the private area with the three giant suites.

"Long time, no see…." John said.

Cameron tilted her head slightly. It wasn't a long time since they'd last seen the others. They were with them only a few hours ago.

Sheila walked up in her maid's outfit.

"Welcome aboard CamNet Cruise Line." Sheila said. "I'll show you to your suites."

Riley noticed Derek really checked Sheila out. She could understand it. Sheila was an even hotter version of Jesse and her outfit suited her well. She was totally turned on by it too. It made her think of all the special moments she'd shared with Jesse before she hooked up with Derek. Those were the days….

"I love that outfit." Riley said. "It looks so cute on you."

Sheila smiled at Derek and Riley. She could see that both of them were turned on as they viewed her. It really made her wish she had her other outfit on. She would have given them the full view as she'd done earlier with John. She wasn't so sure how things would go over with Sarah but she thought Kyle would have gotten a kick out of it. She decided to keep things civil.

"Thank you." Sheila said.

Sarah still needed to get over the fact that she was on a cruise ship. Bob was the security chief. Jim was their room steward and Sheila was their maid. Was this for real? It sure looked like it. She thought Sheila looked really hot in her uniform. She could see Kyle, Derek and Riley thought so as well. She didn't want to get sidetracked. She looked at the names on the suite doors. One of them caught her eye.

"Who gets the Honeymoon Suite?" Sarah asked.

Sheila was the one who'd made the decisions on who went where. She didn't think it was that hard of a decision to make.

"I'm going to put Derek and Riley in that one." Sheila said. "I figured they needed to catch up for the last few months of Riley's pregnancy. It has a stronger bed."

Sheila's statement brought a round of chuckles.

Cameron liked what Sheila said. She was also glad to see Sheila still wore her regulation uniform. She wanted to make everyone understand that nothing was written in stone. There could be changes and modifications as necessary.

"Everyone can see all the rooms." Cameron said. "We can change any of them around if we need to. It won't be a problem. I want everyone to have a good time. We're all on vacation."

Derek and Riley followed Sheila into their suite, everyone else followed too.

Riley looked around at everything. She was in a mild state of shock. She'd never been in a fancier place at any point in her existence. It was as humbling as it was exhilarating.

"This is the nicest room I've ever been in, in my entire life." Riley said.

Derek checked out the dressing room and bathroom.

"Look at the size of the bathroom." Derek said.

Kyle took a playful jab at Derek.

"He would notice that." Kyle said.

Kyle and John started laughing. Derek didn't seem amused

Sheila led them out of the Honeymoon Suite to the Owner's Suite.

She looked at Cameron and she nodded.

John hoped the bed was made. He knew he should have fixed it before they left. He told them not to worry about it and now wished he hadn't. He figured it would be clear what happened in it by it's messed up condition.

The group walked in. Everything was perfect.

John felt a wave of relief.

"Wow!" Kyle said. "This room is even bigger."

Derek noticed the bathroom was bigger too but didn't mention it. He didn't want any more snickering from the peanut gallery.

The door to the spare bedroom was closed. Everyone wondered why.

Cameron wanted to offer an explanation but not have any of them worry about it or its function. They were on vacation.

"The ship-borne Control Center is currently set up in that room." Cameron said. "None of you need to worry about it. We have it if we need it. It's full of our computer gear and weapons."

The new arrivals all looked at each other with the new revelation.

They moved on to the Master Suite.

Riley looked the room over, she compared it to the Honeymoon Suite.

"It looks just like our suite." Riley said.

Sarah looked around. She saw the massive suite also contained a spare bedroom. She took a playful jab at Kyle.

"That's nice." Sarah said. "There's a bedroom for each of us."

Derek and John started laughing. Kyle didn't seem amused.

Cameron didn't want any of the couples to think like that, even in jest.

"You can choose any rooms you want." Cameron said.

Sarah didn't want to disrupt anything. Since the Master Suite and the Honeymoon Suite were identical, it didn't matter what name was on the door. She wasn't about to take the room away from John and Cameron. She was sure they would have given it up if she asked.

"It's fine how everything was planned." Sarah said. "Each couple has their own room all ready. If more of the team would have come along, we all could have fit in one of the two suites with the extra bedroom."

John saw they all held their carry on luggage. He wanted them to get situated in their rooms.

"Get your gear stowed and freshen up." John said.

Cameron could see how Derek and Riley looked at each other. Sarah and Kyle did the same thing. She wanted to let them all know they could knock off a quickie or two before the next event.

"You have an hour to 'relax' before the lifeboat drill." Cameron said. "I think you can all think of something to pass the time."

Riley looked a little worried at the need for a lifeboat drill.

John picked up on Riley's apprehension and figured it wasn't over making love to Derek. He wanted to give everyone a little reassurance.

"The lifeboat drill is a precaution. It's so everyone knows what to do and where to go in the advent of an emergency." John said. "It is something we're all going to do. It's something that's done on every cruise ship."

Riley looked at Derek and Sarah looked at Kyle. They were all aware of the disaster that occurred in 1912. They'd all seen one or more movies about it. Maybe they weren't all factual in every respect but they certainly got the gist of what could go wrong into everyone's mind. It was a comforting thought to know there were no icebergs along the California coast.

Sheila wanted to get everyone to a happier place in their minds. She thought she knew the quickest way to refocus everyone. She would simply spell out what they could all do. She wasn't always known for tact anyway.

"There should be plenty of time to knock one off." Sheila said. "I'm going too, even if I have to do it myself."

Everyone snickered a little. They all headed back to their rooms.

Gail had been nearby but not a part of the earlier discussion.

"I can help you straighten up afterwards." Gail said to Sheila.

Sheila planned to do a little first hand checking on everything.

"It's fine." Sheila said. "I like to know what's happening."

Sheila liked to keep score. She made sure she was always at the top. Her only competition was Jesse. Jesse was second only because she needed to sleep. She really wished she would have still had her other modified uniform on. She was sure she could have really motivated the other couples to get started if they'd all taken a good look at the 'goods'.

Minutes ago:

Jim headed out to bring Hanna and Ally to the private suite area.

Bob already cleared them through security and placed them on the elevator.

Jim waited at the elevator on their floor. He was ready for them when the door opened.

Since there were other people moving around the hallway he wanted to keep everything professional.

Jim introduced himself as their room steward and led them back into the private area.

Hanna and Ally thought it sounded fancy. In fact everything around them looked fancy.

Sheila greeted them as they entered the private area.

"Everyone's knocking off a quickie." Sheila said. "There's just under an hour to kill before the lifeboat drill."

The Metal girls all listened.

"I think they really are." Ally said.

Jim reminded them of the rules, Cameron's rules.

"It's forbidden to listen to them." Jim said.

Ally and Hanna were very happy to be with Sheila. The three girls were always quite the handful when all three of them were together. They'd been dubbed 'The Three Musketeers' at some point by someone.

Gail opened the door to the spare bedroom of the Owner's Suite from the private common area. Holly was inside looking at the monitors.

Jim was more than happy to let the Metal girls know where their new base of operations would be located.

"This is where you'll hang out most of the time." Jim said.

Ally wanted more than a fancy bedroom to be stuck in. All she needed was some place to keep her clothes.

"I want to look around the ship." Ally said.

Hanna liked the idea. She wanted to see everything that was available.

"I do too." Hanna said.

Sheila looked at her maid's outfit.

"I'm stuck here." Sheila said. "That is unless Jim will cover for me."

Ally wanted to make a wisecrack.

"Maybe he will if you change in front of him." Ally said.

Jim liked that idea. He didn't want them to know it.

"Sheila actually has her own room as part of the crew." Jim said. "I can handle everything here."

Sheila led Hanna and Ally to her tiny little room. It was next to Jim's tiny room. They were 'on call' twenty four hours a day for the three private suites. Under normal circumstances, if any of the guests in the three suites were to call for them, they were to respond immediately.

Sheila stripped off her uniform and was naked in an instant. She grabbed a pair of shorts and a loose tank top.

Jim followed them to watch Sheila change. He also wanted to remind her of her duties.

"You need to be back in half an hour." Jim said. "You know this isn't advisable."

Sheila lifted her top and flashed Jim.

"Neither was that, but it happened anyway." Sheila said. "I'll let you watch me change back into my uniform when we return."

It was fine with Jim.

"I'll be waiting." Jim said.

Sheila took Hanna's sunglasses and Ally's sun hat.

"I don't want anyone to recognize me from the crew." Sheila said. "This is the most coveted assignment."

Ally thought it sounded like a lot more work.

"Why?" Ally asked as they headed out into the corridor.

Sheila heard some of the scuttlebutt as she obtained additional supplies earlier.

"They always get the biggest tips." Sheila said.

Ally tilted her head slightly.

"I have a tip for them." Ally said.

Hanna wondered why Ally would give them a tip.

"What is it?" Hanna asked.

Ally tried to keep a straight face.

"Always look both ways before they cross the street." Ally said.

Hanna tilted her head slightly.

"That actually is a good tip." Hanna said.

Sheila looked at both of them and shook her head. She wanted a little freedom, even if it was only for a few minutes.

"Let's go up the stairs." Sheila said.

The three of them started up the stairs.

"It's great to be out." Sheila said.

Hanna and Ally looked at each other. They were in a stairwell when Sheila said that. She must be really desperate to get out if she thought being in the stairwell was nice.

John Henry was only aware that Summer arrived in the Command Center when she'd made her presence known. He wasn't sure exactly when she'd arrived there. He was also unsure exactly what she may have witnessed on some of the screens that he'd been viewing. One of them was detailed close up images Sheila sent to him.

He thought Summer seemed to be able to move with complete stealth. He was sure CamNet also masked her movements on the various security screens from him. He wasn't exactly sure what went on with that or why. He knew enough not to ask or question it.

John Henry watched Summer look at all the screens in the Command Center. He could see that she took in every detail in just a fraction of a second. On several of the screens she looked at, a multitude of screens began to appear and change rapidly. Soon the screens were divided into multiple sections with smaller images as they all appeared at the same time. It wasn't his doing. It appeared that CamNet was testing her. He became a little worried as things happened faster and faster. He wanted to break the cycle but not seem like he purposely interrupted the test.

"The operation is finished." John Henry said. "There are no new developments at the Port facility."

Summer continued to watch the screens. She hadn't shied away from the test.

"For now it appears to be." Summer said.

He hoped it would change the testing cycle. It didn't appear to do so.

She still continued to look at the screens.

John Henry was too now and all the files related to them in his server. He didn't know what she was looking at. He viewed the same things as she did plus more through his server. He wasn't sure exactly what was going on.

"What are you looking at?" John Henry asked.

Summer was no stranger to pushing herself. She always seemed to be able to meet the challenge.

"I look at everything." Summer said. "I do it at home too. My old home I mean."

John Henry tilted his head slightly. He was unaware of that. There appeared to be a lot more going on than he knew about at the Young residence. He only thought Young Allison was involved heavily in the Resistance operations.

"I thought your sister did that." John Henry said.

Summer didn't want it to become an issue. She didn't think an extra set of eyes along with another brain was anything detrimental if it could assist an operation.

"She does." Summer said. "I get to sneak a quick look in every now and then. If I spot anything that needs further review or action I notify CamNet myself."

John Henry was a little alarmed at that revelation. It sounded like some type of infringement or violation by CamNet. He wondered if Cameron knew about it. He was aware of the earlier trouble that occurred between CamNet and Young Allison. It was a very unhealthy relationship in all respects. Now he began to question his ability. He wanted to know if he'd missed something.

"Do you see anything that's of relevance or a threat?" John Henry asked. "I want to know even if you suspect something."

Summer could tell she'd begun to make John Henry uneasy.

"Not yet." Summer said. "That's why I'm checking. You have nothing to worry about."

The last part of Summer's statement bothered John Henry even more. He didn't want to address the issue directly. He did worry about the troops in the field.

"If you ever see anything or even think you do, I want you to say something." John Henry said.

Summer didn't want to wear out her welcome. She could see there was much that needed to be done. She didn't want to do it all at one time. There were a few things she'd encountered that she wanted to think about.

"I will." Summer said. "I should go see Jan."

John Henry wondered what they were going to do.

"Where's Jan at?" John Henry asked.

Summer knew where everyone was at.

"She's with my mom." Summer said. "They're practicing music."

John Henry was still unsure about Summer's clandestine entry and use of the equipment.

"Do they know you came here?" John Henry asked.

Summer smiled at John Henry.

"It's doubtful. I slipped away. I might be able to get back before they even know I'm gone." Summer said. "I'll see you later."

John Henry knew the base was minimally staffed currently. There was a large contingent of both Terminators and humans out in the field or involved with the cruise ship.

"Will I know when you arrive next time?" John Henry asked.

Summer flashed John Henry her beautiful smile again.

"We'll see." Summer said. "I'll be back."

Summer left.

John Henry wondered what that was all about.

Jim thought Sheila pushed things too much.

"Sheila is going to be deactivated." Jim said. "She shouldn't leave her duty post, even if it's for a short duration."

Holly didn't see it as a big deal. All of the couples seemed involved currently. She believed they would all be hesitant to ask for any type of assistance.

"She just wants out for a little while." Holly said.

Jim felt she should use some restraint. He didn't want any negative repercussions directed his way based on Sheila's own actions.

"She should go into standby if she has nothing to do." Jim said.

Gail heard the discussion between Jim and Holly. She didn't think it was a big deal. She decided she would take some preemptive action. She made a quick stop by Sheila's room and collected a few things.

Holly didn't think Jim should stress out over Sheila.

"I don't think it's going to be a problem." Holly said.

Gail entered the Control Center. She held one of the maid's outfits and a sewing kit.

"I can modify this so it will fit me. The top is too small." Gail said. "We can take turns doing Sheila's job."

Holly thought it was a good idea. She wanted to wear the maid's outfit as well. Once it was modified, they could both help out.

"If you make it fit you, it will fit me too." Holly said. "I don't mind helping."

Jim was a little confused by their reasoning. He didn't see why they needed the maid's outfit to assist with the duties.

"You don't need the uniform to help." Jim said. "It shouldn't make a difference."

Gail thought Sheila looked hotter than normal in the maid's outfit. She wanted to look like that as well. She wanted to see how people would look at her if she was dressed in it.

"I like the looks that it draws." Gail said. "It seems to catch everyone's attention. I want to see if that carries over to me as well. I believe that it will. Think of it as a test."

Holly wanted to do it for the same reason Gail did. She wanted to see how much difference apparel made in the way someone was viewed. She was already aware that the more sheath material she showed in relation to her breasts, the more attention she seemed to draw. She noticed some of the clothing that some of the females wore seemed to draw more attention, even if there wasn't a lot of skin showing. It seemed to be the nature of the outfit itself that drew the attention.

"I want to do it too." Holly said. "I saw a group of school girls at the mall before. I liked their uniforms as well. It seemed everyone else around them did too. They all took more than one look."

The idea excited Gail too. She'd noticed the same thing about different types of clothing. It seemed that some of the outfits that drew attention were 'uniform' based.

"I've noticed them before." Gail said. "Let's find some material and we can make a school girl's outfit. We can take turns wearing it."

Holly was thrilled with the prospect even more now. She didn't think she would be the only one either.

"I bet Cameron will want to wear it for John." Holly said. "I want to do that."

They all knew she wore the shortened maid's outfit for John. It didn't hurt to listen a little bit. A school girl's uniform would probably make John even more excited. They were aware of his favorite movie. There wasn't a schoolgirl uniform or maid's outfit worn in the movie but there just as well could have been. There actually weren't a whole lot of clothes worn in the movie.

Vanna wondered how long Samantha was going to watch her. It was all she'd done since she arrived. She hoped when Cam returned that Samantha would stop watching her. She wanted to give her some reassurance.

"I'll take good care of Precious." Vanna said.

Samantha could see the bonding experience between Vanna and Precious.

"Precious is going to think you're her mother." Samantha said.

Vanna knew Jesse helped as much as she did.

"I'm only with her sometimes." Vanna said.

Vanna nursed her now.

Samantha watched Vanna with a certain amount of awe. Everything was so easy for a Vanna to do with Precious. Everything seemed so hard for Riley to do with Precious. It appeared there were some things Riley couldn't do well at all. They weren't all her fault.

"Riley is unable to do that." Samantha said. "Her body is defective."

Vanna didn't like to hear it but the truth was the truth. It reminded her how defective her body was as well. It was all the fault of Skynet. it didn't matter if it was from the abuse or not. The abuse was all Skynet's fault as well.

"So is my body." Vanna said. "At least she could have a child. I can't."

Vanna almost said her body was completely worthless but could feel Precious nursing. Her body wasn't completely worthless, only her reproductive tract was.

Samantha received a call. It was from Cameron. She was more than a little surprised as to the nature of the phone call.

Cameron told her she was free to do whatever she wanted with anyone she wanted to. She was no more specific than that. Her new freedom was to be in effect until Riley was back.

Samantha wanted to take advantage of her short lived opportunity. She wanted to check a few things out. Vanna was currently tied up with Precious. She wasn't going to disturb that. Precious came first.

"I'll look around for a while." Samantha said. "Call me if you need help with anything. Riley asked me to watch over Precious too."

Vanna wanted to give her some reassurance.

"We won't leave the room." Vanna said. "If we do, you may accompany us."

Samantha started out of the room and then stopped.

"Will you have Jesse watch her at all?" Samantha asked.

Vanna wanted the full experience.

"I want to do everything until Riley gets back." Vanna said.

Samantha watched Riley become overwhelmed at times at first. She'd improved greatly.

"It's more work than you think." Samantha said.

Vanna needed to know if she could do everything on her own. For some reason it seemed very important to her. She wanted to help Allison when her baby was born. She wanted to make sure she was going to be able to do it. She thought Allison could be a good mother if she applied herself. She didn't know if she actually would. Life in the future drained much of the 'Natural Instincts' out of those who survived. Then again, it seemed to increase some of the 'Animal Instincts' of others that survived.

"I want the challenge." Vanna said.

Samantha left. There were things she wanted to do. She would have stayed otherwise. There were a few things she wanted to do before she couldn't do them again. She quickly replayed the entire conversation with Cameron. She wanted to make sure she didn't overstep what was just allowed and approved.

Samantha headed for the Command Center. She wanted to find out where everyone was at.

She seldom was out of Riley's quarters on her own. She was normally with someone if she was out. It was usually either Riley or Precious or both of them. She entered the Command Center.

"Hello." Samantha said.

John Henry was a little surprised to see her. He'd noticed she was out of Riley's room but thought she was headed to the commissary.

"Hello, Samantha." John Henry said. "You don't get out much."

Samantha felt she was entrusted with a very important assignment.

"I need to watch over Precious." Samantha said.

John Henry wondered why she wasn't doing that currently. He was actually surprised she wasn't with Precious now. He knew where Vanna was at and why.

"Vanna will do a good job." John Henry said.

Samantha didn't doubt that. Right now she'd been presented with a rare opportunity and wanted to make the most of it. She didn't want to be too explicit if it could be helped.

"I want to know where everyone is at." Samantha said.

John Henry was unaware of the call Samantha received from Cameron. He stated the obvious.

"They're mostly gone." John Henry said.

Samantha wanted to know who was available.

"I just need to know where everyone at the base is at right now." Samantha said.

John Henry gave her a run down.

"Thank you." Samantha said and left.

John Henry wondered what that was all about. He didn't know what Samantha planned to do.

Anna watched Young Allison as they worked. The smile that usually came easy from Young Allison wasn't there. It was clear to her that Young Allison was troubled.

"You should seem happier now that Savannah and Cammy are out of harm's way." Anna said.

Young Allison could have done without the comment. There were more than a few things on her mind.

"I'm for that." Young Allison said. "I don't know how long it will be until it changes."

There was no further answer. Anna decided to push it a little. There was something different than normal that seemed to trouble Young Allison.

"What's troubling you?" Anna asked.

Young Allison would actually like to discuss it with Savannah on a personal level. Savannah wasn't there. There were other things she needed to deal with. She didn't need to hear her worries. She looked directly at Anna.

"I dislike what Cameron is doing." Young Allison said. "I don't agree with it."

Anna knew Young Allison possessed the ability to stop Cameron from doing it.

"You could have stopped her." Anna said. "You still can stop her."

Young Allison wanted to allow Cameron to do what she wanted. She knew it was important to Cameron.

"I know it's what she wanted." Young Allison said. "Everyone needs to have freedom of choice along with free will. I may not like it but I understand it."

Young Allison believed that everyone could make their own choices. She also understood not all those choices were the right choices.

Anna thought it was a little more complex than what Young Allison stated.

"You'll all need to be able to discuss things and work them out in the future." Anna said. "You're more worried about Savannah."

Young Allison was troubled about more than just herself. She felt it was a justified concern.

"I am." Young Allison said. "Savannah is troubled by all this."

Anna really didn't see anything as a problem.

"Why?" Anna asked.

Young Allison decided she would do what Savannah was hesitant to do for Cameron when she returned from the past. She was aware of Savannah's true calling.

"She wants to do what Cameron wants her to do but she doesn't really want to do it." Young Allison said. "I'll need to do it."

Anna never heard that before.

"Did Savannah tell you that?" Anna asked.

"No." Young Allison said. "I know what she's thinking."

Anna wondered how that was possible.

"Do you think you're - River?" Anna asked.

Young Allison felt it with various things they did or talked about.

"I mean I can feel what she's thinking." Young Allison said. "I can see it too."

Anna wanted to know more.

"What does Savannah want?" Anna asked.

Young Allison let out a slow breath and quickly glanced at Anna.

"Savannah wants the same thing I do." Young Allison said.

Anna knew Savannah wouldn't overstep her bounds at this point in Young Allison's life.

"She'll never do that." Anna said. "Not for a while."

Young Allison frowned slightly.

"I know that too." Young Allison said.

Anna thought about Young Allison's earlier suggestion.

"Do you still wish to have Camille bring Young Jesse?" Anna asked.

Young Allison felt Savannah needed more of a human connection. She was 'off limits' to Savannah but Young Jesse wasn't. Young Jesse was a better choice than the girls from the future or her mother for Savannah. They also shared their first love together. They were almost identical in age as well.

"Yes." Young Allison said. "Savannah needs someone who feels what she does to touch her back. They have similar experiences to share."

Anna knew if Young Jesse stayed that things could get complicated.

"You run the risk of them becoming full time mates." Anna said.

Young Allison knew true love was about sacrifice. It was for the betterment of the one you loved.

"They're all free to choose." Young Allison said. "Everyone is."

Anna felt there were more than a few limitations placed on Young Allison by her own doing.

"You're not." Anna said. "I have your directive to follow and you can't change it."

Young Allison wanted Savannah to be her first.

"It's my choice." Young Allison said. "You'll enforce it. I'm to remain pure for Savannah."

Anna didn't want to go down that path right now. She wanted to refocus Young Allison. She wanted to get back to the operation.

"What are you going to have Frank and Dan do?" Anna asked.

Young Alison didn't think there were a whole lot of choices. She didn't like loose ends but she also knew what Savannah asked for. Since Savannah was the one on the ground and in the potential battle zone. She believed Savannah's instructions and advice should be followed.

"They'll need to do what Savannah asked them to do." Young Allison said.

Anna wanted to push things a little.

"Do you agree with that?" Anna asked.

Young Allison was convinced there was more to the story than they currently knew. She didn't believe the two men used the unconventional method of entry on their own.

"I need to know more." Young Allison said. "I want Dan and Frank to stay with them. They may have been directed to go there by someone. Someone may have used them as guinea pigs. They may lead us to a bigger fish."

That sent off alarm bells for Anna.

"That's an unpleasant thought." Anna said. "Do you think it was something done by Grays or the Syndicate?"

The Syndicate didn't sit well with Young Allison. It was more than just the incident in Las Vegas and the follow up action that they needed to take on several fronts. It was the nature of the organization itself. She needed to keep in mind there was more than one player on the field.

"If it is the Syndicate, I want them hit even harder." Young Allison said. "It could be the anti-Metal group or the Fanatics."

That idea was even worse to Anna. Maybe they were over thinking everything.

"It's possible it was just two homeless guys." Anna said.

To Young Allison the team came first.

"I hope so." Young Allison said. "Have Dan and Frank use extra caution."

It seemed everything was far from over at this point.

Quite Good At It

It's been said
One needs to practice everyday
If they ever want to be good at something
Is there really any other way

Not everything can be completed
On the first try or attempt
It may cause indecision
It may breed contempt

Maybe the real problem
Is the goal is unknown
It wouldn't be the first time
It's caused one to moan

One needs to focus
To get things together
They won't finish on top
It will be below nether

All that's necessary
Is for one to commit
With a little practice
They can be quite good at it

Nobody